After waking up sge decided to browse the shop and Vertin's eyes scanned the shop's holographic display, a faint hum accompanying the endless rotation of armaments. After the initial thrill of waking up in this strange new reality, a practical urgency had set in. She needed tools, anything to give her an edge. Her gaze snagged on two intriguing options:
[Beam Saber]
[A sleek, powerful melee weapon with high cutting power that can easily melt armor. More compact than traditional swords, its beam blade activates only when used. Consumes more power compared to other melee weapons.]
[Price: 1.2 million]
[Wrist-Mounted Beam Saber]
[A concealed beam saber, discreetly placed at the wrist. Undetectable unless specifically sought out.]
[Price: 1.2 million]
"I'll take one of each," she decided, a small smile playing on her lips. She might as well indulge a little.
Moments later, the virtual items materialized into physical form. The standard beam saber clipped neatly to her hip, its inactive hilt a subtle promise of destructive power. The wrist-mounted version, true to its description, integrated seamlessly with her left forearm, a barely perceptible bulge beneath her sleeve. Satisfied with her new acquisitions, she continued Browse, hoping to find more useful gear.
A long, fruitless search followed. The good stuff was prohibitively expensive, and the affordable options felt… underwhelming.
"Nothing here is good," she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. "All the decent ones are too expensive, and the ones I can afford aren't even worth it."
Just as she was about to give up, her finger brushed the screen, and a new item popped into view.
[Personalized Computer]
[Equipped to the arm, this device provides easy access to the main system without verbal commands. Features include a map, inventory, flashlight, and camera. It cannot be hacked or removed by anyone, and boasts a new, intuitive UI.]
[Price: 2.5 million]
Vertin tilted her head. "To be honest, this doesn't really help. I mean, I can see it being useful, but why use that instead of just asking the system directly? Well, the system is quite slow and takes time… maybe, just maybe." She was torn. Was it a frivolous expense or a strategic advantage?
"You know what? Why not? I can afford it," she finally decided, clicking the purchase button with a decisive tap.
The device materialized, a sleek forearm-mounted computer. She strapped it onto her left arm and powered it on.
[Connecting to main AI system and updating parameters. Please wait...]
After a brief pause, the screen flickered to life.
[Name: Vertin
Race: MS Girl
Sub-Race: Zudah
HP: 100,000 (Armor 100,000)
Strength: B+
Agility: A+
Endurance: B+
Luck: C
Accuracy: S+
Armor: A
Firepower: A
Balance: 400,070
Equipment:
Zaku Machine Gun
Zaku Bazooka
Heat Hawk
Sturmfaust (2x)
Shield
Foldable Spike
Wrist-Mounted Beam Saber
Beam Saber
Personalized Computer]
"Wow, that's… fine, I guess," she mumbled, scanning the updated stats. "I really hope I bought something useful." A hint of regret colored her tone as she began to explore the device's features. "For the most part, it's kinda useful," she conceded, the regret still lingering.
Just then, a soft knock sounded at her door.
"Can I come in, Boss?" Doppler's voice drifted through.
"Ah, yes, come in, Dopp," Vertin replied. The door slid open, revealing Doppler holding a tray laden with food.
"I know they said you only get like three meals per week, but I managed to get some from the canteen. Here, for you," Doppler said, setting the tray on a nearby table.
"Thank you, Dopp, for the food," Vertin said, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
"No worries," Doppler replied before quietly leaving the room.
(She's nice,) Vertin thought, before digging into the meal. "This is so good. Nom. Nom. Nom," she murmured between bites, savoring the unexpected treat.
After eating, Vertin decided to stretch her legs. She wandered through the base, observing T-Dolls performing maintenance on their weapons or honing their skills at the firing range. Stepping outside, the crisp, cool air brushed against her face.
"This feeling is nice," she muttered, enjoying the moment of peace. But the tranquility was short-lived.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the base's intercom system.
"All personnel, report to the briefing room immediately!"
Vertin felt a familiar knot of tension tighten in her stomach. Commander Gentiane stood at the front of the briefing room, her expression grim. "Listen up, everyone," she began, her voice grave. "Sangvis Ferri has launched a major offensive. They've pushed back Griffin forces and attacked multiple bases. Our intelligence has been compromised."
A ripple of unease spread through the gathered T-Dolls.
"We need the Zeon team to slow them down," Gentiane continued, her gaze sweeping over them, finally resting on Vertin. "Important intelligence, commanders, supplies, and personnel need to be evacuated from the compromised bases. You are to be deployed inside or outside these bases and hold back Sangvis advances for as long as possible."
"This time, are we getting any support?" Vertin asked, her voice serious.
"Yes. You will be given landmines, extra ammo, and fuel," Gentiane replied. "We just need you to hold them back as long as you can."
"So, no reinforcements?" Vertin pressed.
Gentiane paused, her gaze meeting Vertin's. "After the evacuation, I will try to send reinforcements," she said, her voice filled with grim determination.
Vertin simply stared at her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But do keep sending supplies to us. If not, we might just fight bare-handed."
"I will tell the pilot to prepare for takeoff," Gentiane said, already contacting the helicopter pilot and Kalina to arrange for the Zeon team's deployment to the exposed base.
Vertin left the office and quickly gathered her teammates. She briefed them on the urgent mission and to acquire extra ammo and fuel.
"So, you guys ready?" Vertin asked Dom.
"Yes, Boss. We've loaded up extra ammo and fuel, and the chopper also has additional supplies in those crates," Dom replied, gesturing towards personnel loading heavy crates into a waiting helicopter.
"Alright, gather everyone for one last check, and we are moving out," Vertin commanded.
"Understood, Boss!" Dom saluted sharply.
After a final, thorough check of their equipment and ammunition, the Zeon team boarded the helicopter. With everything confirmed, they lifted off, heading straight for the war zone.